ANTOLOGIA vol 1 (2 vinyls)

Description

"Continuing our work on São Tomé and Príncipe with curator DJ Tom B., we are pleased to announce the release of an anthology by the band África Negra. This first volume includes 12 of their signature tracks, remastered for the occasion and selected exclusively from those officially released on various media. The album is accompanied by a booklet featuring original covers and interviews with the band members still with us. A second volume, containing only unreleased tracks, digitized from studio tapes by their touring manager, and filled with vintage photos, is expected soon.Formed in the early 70s by Horacio, a butcher by trade, and his guitarist friend Emidio Pontes, África Negra is the most famous of São Tomé and Príncipe's great bands. The catchy melodies in the local Forro language, delivered by lead singer Joao Seria and subtly harmonized by the enchanting backing vocals of the rest of the group, quickly ensured their fame beyond the archipelago. Their incomparable blend of Puxa and Rumba rhythms and subtle melodies allowed them to be the São Toméan band to tour abroad most regularly.Their first album (Aninha) was released in 1981, followed by three others in 1983. They contain an incredible collection of timeless hits and have reached high prices on the second-hand market. Then came the excellent San Lena in 1986, unfortunately only released on cassette, but we were able to digitize the original master tape. In 1990, their last album in vinyl format (Paga me uma cerveja), the rarest, was released. Finally, three CDs and five cassettes followed in the 1990s. Like most São Toméan bands, they recorded their compositions at Radio Nacional STP, the island's only studio at the time, whose cramped premises forced large bands to hold sessions outdoors in the courtyard, at night, facing the ocean and in front of their fans.Reformed around Joao Seria, the band has recorded three albums since 2012 and has been touring again for several years, offering, always with the same energy, their fiery rhythms, graceful harmonies, poetry full of social metaphors, and typical dance steps."